A forward team of about 30 rescuers and life-saving experts of a private relief organization known as “Hook 31 Foundation” in Nakhon Ratchasima or Korat is waiting to cross the border into Laos to help victims of flooding that resulted from the collapse of a hydropower dam in southeastern Attapeu province’s Sanamxay district.

They were equipped with rescue boats, diving gear and medical kits for first-aid treatment.
The team departed from a rallying point in front of the statue of Thao Suranree at 8pm on Tuesday and has reportedly arrived at Chongmex border check-point in Ubon Ratchathani before crossing into Laos.

Members of this team are highly-experienced in rescuing victims of water disasters. They took part in the recent operation to rescue the 12 Moo Pa Academy footballers and their coach trapped in Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai.

Hundreds of people have reportedly gone missing after the dam collapsed late Monday, unleashing about five billion cubic metres of water downstream, flooding six villages.